Dirty Work @ Underbelly Cowgate

Folding bedsheets and dusting curtains, Mary Floppins is prim and proper. The mundanity of her chores could be droll, and it takes a moment for her comedic momentum to build, but by the third bed sheet, everyone has locked into the affable absurdity Dirty Work maps out.

It’s the miniscule nuances that enrapture Jessica Barton’s audience: a raised eyebrow, a swallowed gulp of laughter, or a flared nostril. She has perfect command over her instrument, and with it, composes something really exciting. Each reaction to her befuddled audience feels both completely organic and meticulously calculated. 

Garnering an assortment of men from the audience to complete a myriad of banal household tasks, the omniscient Floppins playfully ridicules and torments her men without muttering much more than a word. Dirty Work certainly pokes at systemic issues – but it is in teasing and pushing this Mary Poppins-esque character where the show slightly derails. The overarching theme of male incompetence is puckish, but when this is countered with a brief section of Floppins fingering herself, or a video of her destroying her ex-boyfriend’s belongings, the character slips out of the confines of the story.

While dealing with the audience, Barton expertly whips her selected audience members into a frenzy but each moment feels carefully choreographed. Even a brief foray into musical theatre, highlighting Barton’s fantastic vocals, comes at the expense of an unsuspecting  audience member. 

Overall, Dirty Work is a light, bright and uplifting show, highlighting a good natured performance by an outstanding talent.

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Dirty Work, Underbelly Cowgate (Delhi Belly), until 24 Aug, 5.25pm, £8.50-12.50